Washoku Day is an annual observance in Japan, held every year on November 24. What Is Washoku Day? November 24th is "Washoku Day" (Japanese Food Day). It was established by the Washoku Association o

Washoku Day is observed every year on November 24.

What other anniversaries fall on November 24?

November 24 is also "Opera Day", "Evolution Day", "Winter Carrot Day". See the November 24 page for details.

November 24

Washoku Day

Food Days

What Is Washoku Day?

November 24th is "Washoku Day" (Japanese Food Day). It was established by the Washoku Association of Japan and is certified by the Japan Anniversary Association. The date comes from a wordplay in which 11, 2, and 4 can be read as "ii ni-hon-shoku," meaning "good Japanese food." In this season of abundant harvests, when ingredients for Japanese cuisine are plentiful, it is a day to rediscover Japan's food culture and think about the importance of protecting and passing it on.

Washoku, Inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

In 2013, "Washoku, traditional dietary cultures of the Japanese" was inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Washoku Association of Japan, which established this day, works to properly protect washoku and promote its transmission to future generations.

Established by: the Washoku Association of Japan
Date origin: 11-2-4 read as "ii ni-hon-shoku" (good Japanese food)
Intangible heritage: inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013
Members: producers, companies, organizations, local governments, local-cuisine preservation groups, food education groups, and more
Purpose: to rediscover Japanese food culture and think about the importance of protecting and passing it on

Washoku Values the Seasons and Respect for Nature

Washoku makes the most of the natural flavors of ingredients and values a sense of the seasons. Its use of local ingredients such as fish, vegetables, and edible wild plants, and its connection to respect for nature, are also said to relate to the sustainable use of natural resources. November 24th is also "Katsuobushi Day," named for the dried bonito that is essential to Japanese cooking.

Tips for Marking This Day

Choose a Japanese-style lunch or dinner centered on rice and soup
Cook a dish using seasonal ingredients
Learn about the local dishes of your hometown or places you have visited
Make dashi and use it for miso soup or clear soup

A World-Class Culture on Our Everyday Tables

Washoku is not only special cuisine but also a culture handed down through everyday meals. November 24th is a day to pay attention to seasonal ingredients and local flavors and to savor the goodness of Japanese food once again.